Social capital and health councils in Brazil: a virtuous circle?

Abstract

This article begins by discussing the concept of social capital and its applications and limitations. Second, it examines these theoretical contributions as approaches actually used by scholars to analyze the disenchantment with the fragile political institutions and citizens' apathy that emerged together with re-democratization processes in Latin America. Third, it focuses on the role of the Brazilian health councils, seeking insights from this vast and rich experience of popular mobilization and participation to shed light on the councils' contributions in fostering behaviors inherent to social capital, such as civic values and cooperation.